Shift Knob Position Cross-Checking for Sensor Abnormality Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shift apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting abnormalities in the position of the manipulation knob due to the complexity of using multiple sensors of the same type, which can lead to inaccurate detection if they fail simultaneously, and result in a complex structure with redundant sensors.

Innovation Solution

A shift apparatus utilizing two position sensors and three rotation sensors to detect the position of the manipulation knob, where the position sensors indirectly detect the knob's position through light shielding pieces, and the rotation sensors measure the rotational shaft's rotation, allowing for accurate abnormality detection with a simpler structure by using sensors intended for different targets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two photosensors of the same type are used to detect the position of the manipulation knob redundantly, then the position detection reliability is improved, but the structure becomes complex and simultaneous failures may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection reliabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines position detection and rotation detection functions into a unified sensor system. The photosensor detects both the linear position of the manipulation knob and rotational information, eliminating the need for separate redundant sensors while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The photosensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously - detecting both the position of the manipulation knob and rotational movements. This multi-functional approach reduces the total number of sensors needed while improving system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple position sensors are used to redundantly detect the manipulation knob position, then detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges position detection and rotation detection into a single integrated sensor system. The photosensor detects both the linear position and rotational angle of the manipulation knob, eliminating the need for multiple separate position sensors and reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If all sensors are duplicated to improve reliability, then abnormality detection capability is improved, but the structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormality detection capabilityVSAvoidoverall structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into unified sensor systems. The photosensor performs both position and rotation detection, and the rotation sensor detects rotational movements. This integration reduces the total number of sensors needed while maintaining the ability to detect abnormalities through cross-validation of detection results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables accurate abnormality detection with a simpler structure by reducing the likelihood of simultaneous failures among sensors of the same type, improving detection accuracy and simplifying the apparatus's design.

Implementation Method 1

two photosensors 151 to indirectly detect the position of the manipulation knob 120

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

three rotation sensors 134 to detect the amount of the rotation of the rotational shaft 132

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP3153745B1Shift apparatus and shift apparatus abnormality detection method
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP3153745B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3153745B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3153745B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A shift apparatus (100) has a motor (130) that includes a rotational shaft (132), a moving mechanism that moves a manipulation knob (120) when the rotational shaft (132) rotates, rotation sensors (134) that detect the rotation amount of the rotational shaft (132), a position sensor (151) that detects the position of the manipulation knob (120), and a control unit (180). The control unit (180) includes a motor control unit (181) that rotates or stops the rotational shaft (132) so that the position of the manipulation knob (120) comes close to a target position, according to the rotation amount detected by the rotation sensors (134) and to the position detected by the position sensor (151). The control unit (180) also includes an abnormality detecting unit (183) that detects that at least one of the position sensor (151) and any one of the rotation sensors (134) is abnormal, according to the position of the manipulation knob (120), the position being indicated by the rotation amount detected by the rotation sensors (134), and to the positions indicated by the position sensors (151).